33+ Things To Do On A No Spend Weekend

Does the thought of a “no spend” weekend give you a funny feeling or does it pique your curiosity? We all live for our weekends.

Some of us are weekend warriors while some of us are weekend snoozers. For weekend warriors it can become draining trying to fit everything possible into your weekends.

Weekend spending can really add up. Catching up with friends, kid activities, the impromptu night out, sporting events. What about the splurge you are still recovering from from the weekend before?

There are times when you just need to take a break to get yourself back on track. By taking advantage of a no spend weekend you can help yourself realign with your goals and save some money at the same time.

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What is A No Spend Weekend?

Ok, a no spend weekend doesn’t mean a “no-fun” weekend.

But it does mean that you aren’t allowed to spend any money on anything. NOTHING, not even groceries or wine. This is a great time for you to save money while finding free activities, that are fun, new, and even interesting-imagine that!

The key to being successful during your no spend weekend is planning. Do some research, check your local paper to see what is happening or look online at the chamber of commerce. Maybe you have a community Facebook page where people post community happenings.

Here is a list Of Things To Do During A No-Spend Weekend

1. Neighborhood Cleanup

A neighborhood cleanup on a no-spend weekend is a powerful way to engage the community, promote environmental stewardship, and practice responsible spending.

By organizing a cleanup event during a designated no-spend weekend, we can create a positive impact without incurring extra costs. In this article, we will explore the benefits and provide practical tips for a successful neighborhood cleanup on a no-spend weekend.

Benefits of a Neighborhood Cleanup on a No-Spend Weekend:

Community Engagement: It fosters unity and a shared responsibility for the neighborhood’s well-being, strengthening social bonds.
Environmental Stewardship: It improves the environment by clearing litter and promoting a cleaner, healthier ecosystem.
Financial Consciousness: It aligns with responsible spending habits by valuing experiences and connections over material possessions.

Practical Tips for a Successful Neighborhood Cleanup on a No-Spend Weekend:

Plan ahead, selecting a convenient date and time.
Promote the event through social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth, emphasizing the connection to responsible consumerism.
Organize cleaning supplies, considering borrowing or repurposing items.
Delegate tasks and encourage participants to bring their own supplies if possible.
Prioritize safety with clear instructions and protective gear.
Document the progress and celebrate the achievements of the community.

2. Volunteer Your Time (It’s Worth It Believe Me)

Volunteering is a selfless act that not only benefits the communities and causes we support but also brings personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose to our lives.

By dedicating our time and skills to help others, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. In this article, we will explore the significance of volunteering and highlight the many ways in which you can contribute your time to make a difference.

The Importance of Volunteering:

Community Engagement:

Volunteering allows us to actively participate in our communities, connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and building strong relationships. It fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the social fabric of society.

Personal Growth:

Volunteering presents an opportunity for personal development. It enables us to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, and expand our knowledge and perspectives. Through volunteering, we can enhance our leadership abilities, improve communication skills, and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and compassion.

Making a Difference:

Volunteering provides a platform to address societal issues and contribute to positive change. Whether it’s supporting education, fighting poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, or assisting in humanitarian efforts, our time and effort can make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

Ways to Volunteer Your Time:

Local Nonprofits and Charities: Research local nonprofit organizations and charities that align with your interests and values. Offer your skills and time to support their programs and initiatives. This could involve activities such as mentoring, fundraising, event planning, or providing administrative assistance.
Community Service Projects: Engage in community service projects organized by schools, religious institutions, or civic groups. These projects often focus on improving the local environment, assisting vulnerable populations, or enhancing community infrastructure. Joining these initiatives allows you to contribute to the betterment of your immediate surroundings.
Skills-Based Volunteering: Identify your unique skills and find opportunities to apply them in volunteer work. For example, if you have expertise in graphic design, web development, or marketing, you could offer your services to nonprofits in need of these skills. This approach allows you to make a meaningful impact while utilizing your professional talents.
Virtual Volunteering: In an increasingly connected world, virtual volunteering has become a popular option. You can contribute remotely by providing online tutoring, mentoring, content creation, or administrative support for organizations that operate virtually or have digital platforms.

3. Check Out The Community Calendar For Free Things To Do

A no-spend weekend offers an excellent opportunity to discover enjoyable and cost-free activities within your community. By checking out your local community calendar, you can uncover a plethora of free events and opportunities that will keep you engaged, entertained, and connected without breaking the bank.

The Benefits of Utilizing Your Community Calendar on a No-Spend Weekend:

Budget-Friendly Fun: A community calendar provides access to a wide range of free activities, ensuring you can have an enjoyable and fulfilling weekend without spending money. From concerts and workshops to outdoor festivals and art exhibitions, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your interests.
Discover Hidden Gems: Often, we overlook the vibrant events happening right in our own neighborhoods. By exploring your community calendar, you can uncover local treasures and hidden gems, including cultural festivals, neighborhood gatherings, and unique experiences that showcase the diversity and talent within your community.
Strengthen Community Connections: Participating in community events fosters a sense of belonging and connection. Engaging with fellow community members during a no-spend weekend allows you to build new friendships, deepen existing relationships, and strengthen the social fabric of your neighborhood.

Finding Free Things to Do on a No-Spend Weekend:

Online Community Calendars:

Visit the websites of local government agencies, community centers, and event directories specific to your area. These platforms often maintain comprehensive community calendars that list free events, ranging from live performances and art exhibitions to workshops and outdoor activities.

Social Media Event Pages:

Follow local organizations, businesses, and community groups on social media platforms. They frequently create event pages or posts to promote free activities. Join relevant groups and keep an eye on their updates to stay informed about upcoming events during your no-spend weekend.

Parks and Recreation Departments:

Contact your local parks and recreation department for information on free activities in public parks. Look for opportunities such as guided nature walks, fitness classes, sports tournaments, and family-friendly events like picnics or outdoor movie screenings.

4. Start Running (or Walking)

Ok there is no better time than now. Have you always said someday you will run that half or full marathon? Why not start training now? Pull up some free online training plans and plot your schedule.

A no-spend weekend offers a unique opportunity to prioritize your physical and mental well-being without the need for costly gym memberships or equipment.

Whether you’re looking to start running or walking as a form of exercise, utilizing a no-spend weekend can be the perfect time to kickstart your fitness journey.

The Benefits of Running or Walking:

Physical Fitness: Running or walking is a simple yet effective way to improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and strengthen muscles. Regular exercise can also contribute to weight management and overall physical well-being.
Mental Well-being: Engaging in running or walking can enhance mental clarity, reduce stress levels, and boost mood. It offers an opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with nature, and promote a sense of inner calm and relaxation.
Cost-Effective: Running and walking are among the most affordable forms of exercise. You don’t need any expensive equipment or memberships to get started, making it accessible to everyone, even on a tight budget.

5. Make a Budget

By creating a budget you will have better control over your finances and where your money goes each month. I love keeping my budget in line by using Personal Capital.

A no-spend weekend provides a unique opportunity to exercise financial discipline and increase your savings. By creating a budget specifically for your no-spend weekend, you can maximize your financial awareness, track your expenses, and make the most of this intentional period of frugality.

6. Re-Evaluate Your Phone Plan

In today’s digital age, our smartphones play a vital role in our daily lives. However, it’s essential to regularly review and re-evaluate our phone plans to ensure we’re getting the best value for our money. By taking the time to assess your phone plan, you can identify potential cost savings, optimize your usage, and make informed decisions that align with your communication needs.

Step 1: Understand Your Usage:

Start by examining your current phone usage patterns. Review your bills or online account to understand your average monthly data, call minutes, and text message usage. Identify any trends or changes in your usage over time.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Plan:

Compare your current phone plan with the available options from your provider. Assess the features, data allowances, call minutes, text message allowances, and additional services included in your plan. Take note of any areas where your plan may no longer meet your needs or where there may be room for improvement.

Step 3: Research Other Providers:

Look beyond your current provider and research other telecommunications companies in your area. Compare their plans, pricing, and promotional offers. Pay attention to customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability and customer service quality of different providers.

7. Get Rid Of Clutter

Clutter can accumulate over time, causing stress, reducing productivity, and making our living spaces feel chaotic. By taking the initiative to declutter, you can create a more organized and serene environment, fostering a sense of calm and enhancing overall well-being.

Set goals: Define your decluttering objectives to stay focused and motivated.
Take it room by room: Start small and tackle one room at a time to prevent overwhelm.
Four-box method: Use four boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Recycle,” and “Trash” to sort your belongings.
One-in, one-out rule: For every new item you bring in, remove an equivalent item to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Maximize storage solutions: Invest in organizing tools like shelves, baskets, and storage bins to create a more organized space.
Digitize and streamline: Reduce physical clutter by digitizing documents, photos, and media.
Regular maintenance: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to prevent future accumulation of clutter.

8. Host a Potluck Dinner Party Using Ingredients You Already Have At Home

Just because you’re having a no-spend weekend doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Hosting a potluck dinner party is a fantastic way to enjoy a delightful gathering while embracing the spirit of frugality.

By setting a cooking theme and challenging your guests to create dishes from ingredients they already have in their homes, you can turn your potluck into a creative culinary adventure. In this guide, we will explore how to organize a no-spend potluck dinner party that is both thrifty and delicious.

9. Have a Spa Day

A spa day is a wonderful way to unwind, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself. While visiting a luxurious spa may come with a hefty price tag, you can create a serene and rejuvenating spa experience in the comfort of your own home, even during a no-spend weekend.

Step 1: Set the Atmosphere:

Transform your bathroom or a cozy corner of your home into a tranquil spa-like environment. Dim the lights, light scented candles, and play soft, soothing music. Create a peaceful ambiance that promotes relaxation.

Step 2: Prepare a DIY Facial:

Pamper your skin with a homemade facial treatment using natural ingredients from your kitchen. Create a gentle exfoliating scrub with sugar and honey, apply a soothing yogurt or avocado mask, or use chilled cucumber slices to reduce puffiness around the eyes. Enjoy the refreshing and nourishing benefits of these DIY treatments.

Step 3: Soak in a Luxurious Bath:

Draw a warm bath and add some Epsom salts, essential oils, or bath bombs for a luxurious and aromatic soak. Take your time to unwind and let the warm water ease any tension or stress. Consider adding soft music or a guided meditation to enhance the relaxation experience.

Step 4: Treat Your Hands and Feet:

Indulge in a DIY manicure and pedicure session. Soak your hands and feet in warm water, trim and shape your nails, and give yourself a gentle massage using a moisturizing lotion or oil. If you have nail polish available, apply a fresh coat for a finishing touch.

Step 5: Relax with a DIY Body Scrub:

Create a homemade body scrub using ingredients like sugar, coconut oil, and your choice of essential oils. Gently massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that need exfoliation. Rinse off in the shower to reveal softer, smoother skin.

10. Go For a Picnic

A picnic is a great way to have an outdoor meal and connect with nature. Even on a no-spend weekend, you can still have a memorable picnic without spending too much.

Step 1: Choose a Location:

Pick a scenic outdoor spot like a park, beach, or your backyard for the picnic. Look for a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Step 2: Plan a Simple Menu:

Opt for easy picnic foods you already have. Pack sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruits, and snacks that are simple to prepare and won’t break the bank.

Step 3: Enjoy Outdoor Activities:

Make the most of your picnic by engaging in outdoor activities. Bring games like frisbee or a ball to play. Take a walk or explore the area to enjoy nature’s beauty.

11. Redecorate or Reorganize

Redecorating your living space can give it a fresh new look and rejuvenate your surroundings. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish and inviting home.

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can embark on a redecoration project during a no-spend weekend. In this guide, we will explore how to refresh your space without incurring any additional costs, allowing you to create a beautiful and inspiring environment while staying within your budget.

12. Learn a New Skill

What is it you have been wanting to learn but haven’t spent the time to do so? Have you been wanting to knit, do beadwork, paint, learn a new language, how about a good at home workout video? See what you can find on Youtube, the “how to” tutorials are endless. This is a great idea when you are looking for fun things to do on a weekend.

13. Start a Blog

In today’s digital age, starting a blog has become an accessible and popular way to express yourself, share your knowledge, and connect with others who share your interests. Whether you’re passionate about a specific topic, want to document your experiences, or simply enjoy writing, creating a blog provides a platform to showcase your unique voice.

Related:

5 Simple and quick steps to make money blogging

14. Review Your Grocery Budget

A no-spend weekend provides an excellent opportunity to review your grocery budget, analyze your spending habits, and find ways to save money without making any new purchases.

By taking a closer look at your grocery expenses during this time, you can identify areas for improvement and make strategic adjustments to optimize your budget.

Looking for ways to be thrifty? Spend some time looking into how you can cut your grocery bill. I was able to cut our grocery budget by half by following these tips and tricks.

Related

17 Tips for saving money on groceries and still eating well

15. Go for a Bike Ride

Going for a bike ride is a wonderful way to embrace the outdoors, stay active, and experience the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, hopping on a bike allows you to explore your neighborhood, discover new routes, and enjoy the many benefits of outdoor exercise.

16. Organize Your Phone

In today’s digital age, our phones have become essential tools for communication, productivity, and entertainment. However, with countless apps, messages, and files, it’s easy for our phones to become cluttered and disorganized.

Taking the time to organize your phone can greatly enhance your efficiency and overall digital experience.

17. Go to your Local Library

When is the last time you spent some time at the library? Libraries have so many free resources (audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, travel books). If nothing else just go to your library to activate your library card so that you can sign up for free audiobooks on your phone. I love using the OverDrive app to listen to free books that are sourced through my library.

18. Find a Free Concert

Attending a concert is a thrilling experience that immerses you in the magic of live music. However, you don’t always have to spend money to enjoy a memorable concert. Many communities offer free concerts throughout the year, providing opportunities to discover talented artists, enjoy diverse genres, and connect with fellow music lovers. In this guide, we will explore how to find and embrace the joy of attending a free concert, where you can savor the rhythm and melodies without spending a dime.

Check Local Event Listings
Explore Community Events:
Visit Local Parks and Recreation Centers

19. Host a Game Night

Hosting a game night is a fantastic way to bring friends together for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and bonding. Whether you prefer classic board games, card games, or interactive party games, game nights offer an opportunity to create lasting memories and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

20. Go for a Hike

Look for an area you have yet to explore and plan a hiking route. Have you been to your state park? What about a hike into some hidden hot springs you have heard about.

21. Go Camping

Camping is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. It offers a chance to disconnect from technology, breathe in fresh air, and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Whether you prefer pitching a tent in a serene campground or exploring the wilderness on a backpacking adventure, camping allows you to reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories.

22. Call a Friend

In our fast-paced and digitally connected world, taking the time to call a friend can be a meaningful way to strengthen your bond, catch up on life, and share heartfelt conversations. A simple phone call allows you to connect on a personal level, offering a chance to express support, laughter, and understanding. Take this time to call 3 friends you haven’t spoken to in awhile.

23. Find a Free Class in your Area

For example, our local Home Depot hardware store offers some good hands-on DIY classes for people to learn some basics about woodworking and other DIY projects.

24. Try a free trial at a Local Gym or Yoga Studio

Sometimes you can find yoga studios who are offering free classes put on by their newer instructors who have just finished their training. You may even find a gym that is offering a new free class they have never offered before.

25. Meal Plan For the Week

Use this time to discover new recipes. I love exploring different things I’ve never tried before. You can also research and find healthy food plans to get your diet back on track.

26. Meditate

New to meditation? You can find all kinds of free meditations on the internet. Give it a shot, you may find that you need to do it more than one time to find your groove. Meditation takes practice so don’t give up if you think you don’t have what it takes on the first try.

27. Go Sightseeing

Take yourself on a sightseeing adventure to see what others have been talking about. I always love driving into the mountains to see the colors of the leaves begin to change.

28. Yoga

I love using my free Alomoves App for doing 30-minute yoga sessions in the comfort of my home.

29. Paint or Draw

Do something artistic. Most of us don’t exercise our creativity enough. Give yourself the freedom to explore and express your inner badassness! Every once in a while my girlfriends and I will do “girls day activities” where we go to our local craft store and participate in a Paint and Sip day. These are super fun- of course something like this costs money so save this for a time that is not a no-spend weekend.

30. Read a Book

When the weather outside is frightful, cozy reading is delightful! Ok, the weather doesn’t have to be frightful… Just grab your favorite book, a cup of coffee, or tea and enjoy.

31. Go to an Indoor or Outdoor Market

Wander around a local market to see what’s new or at least enjoy some good people watching.

32. Take paid surveys

Take advantage of this no spend weekend to actually make some money. In fact, this simple task of taking surveys can make you money while standing in line at the post office, during commercial breaks of your favorite TV show, or while you are just wasting time. If you are consistent about doing surveys you can easily make an extra $100 or more a month by offering companies your opinion.

Here are the top survey sites that we recommend you checking out:

Vindale Research (Free $2 bonus for signing up. Some surveys pay up to $50)
Swagbucks (Free $5 bonus for signup up)
Survey Junkie (Extremely easy to use, and you can use PayPal to cash out points)
Pinecone (You are entered into a sweepstake drawing to win $500 every to weeks and $4500 every quarter)

33. Clean your Car

I know, booorr-innng! But it has to be done sometime, use this weekend to shine it up spic and span!

34. Consider Financial Independence

Use this list to guide you with ideas of how you can make an extra $500 a week.